Drug-Driving Insomniac Over The Limit For Cocaine

Flintshire Magistrates Court has heard how an insomniac, who sometimes took cocaine in the afternoon to help him sleep in the evening, was caught drug-driving.

58-year-old Peter John Richardson from Mold, admitted to driving with 15mcg cocaine in his blood. The legal limit is ten.

Justin Espie, prosecuting, said that a member of the public had reported a vehicle being driven “in suspicious circumstances.” Police indicated to the vehicle in question to stop.

A simple test proved positive for cocaine, and later blood tests showed him to have 254mcg Benzoylecgonine, a by-product of cocaine, in his system, compared to the legal limit of 50mcg.

In his defence, Brian Cross said that his client was in that area in order to change his tyre. He co-operated fully with the police, having no reason to suspect they wanted to speak to him.

Richardson had not used cocaine on that particular day but had done the day before. Said Cross “There is no suggestion of any impairment in his driving.”

He went on to add that Richardson was not well and suffered from tinnitus, emphysema and a throat disease, as well as anxiety and depression.

“Cocaine he uses very occasionally to assist with his medical conditions,” said Cross. “He suffers from insomnia. That is the reason why he takes it in the afternoon to help him sleep in the evening.”

Cross added that it was clear that Richardson had serious health issues, and that he was trying to deal with them “the best he can”. He now realises he should not be using illegal substances and will seek medical assistance.

After he pleaded guilty to drug-driving, Magistrates banned Richardson from driving for a year, as well as fining him £120, plus £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

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